"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun." - Katharine Hepburn

Monday, 25 April 2011

Crunch time

When I used to work in the corporate cage world, I worked in Information Technology, a very deadline-driven profession. And I held a relatively high-level position, which meant that not only was I responsible for meeting my own deadlines, I had to set deadlines for others and ensure that they followed through.

I never missed a deadline. Never. Not once in more than 15 years of corporate life. And I was proud of having that kind of reputuation, a rep for being someone who could always be depended upon without question to get the job done right, on time (and frequently ahead of time) and on or under budget. With happy clients who got the business solutions they wanted and needed.

I was a closer.

When I left that world to work for myself, I made my living from three different "businesses": web design and writing, where I had clients and deadlines to meet, and coaching, where I had clients but no deadlines. In the beginning it was more of the former and less of the latter, but over time the balance shifted. I got further away from the need for dealing with deadlines.

As a result, I got soft. Lazy, even. I stopped being a closer because I didn't feel the same pressure. This has become especially true when it comes to my own writing. And it's not exactly the type of work ethic I feel good about. Without the need to work to a deadline, the need to push myself because someone else is depending on me to produce something by a certain date, I have become an expert in procrastination.

This is totally not acceptable.

I read blogs and interviews with other professional writers, where they talk about this deadline and that deadline... and how they, too, procrastinate. But they have publishers, contracts. They're getting PAID to write, the way I used to get paid to crank out system specs and web site designs. So eventually, despite the writer's procrastination thing, they pull their heads out of their asses and finish their manuscripts.

Somehow, I need to learn to write for myself as if I'm already getting paid (and getting paid a LOT) to do it. I need to write like someone is watching, waiting and depending on me. I need to break out of my little bubble and just freaking DO IT, ALREADY. I'm sick to death of my own bullshit. Either I am a writer, or I'm not. Writers write. Bullshitters... don't.

Hence... effective immediately, I am putting myself in high adrenaline crunch-time mode, like I used to be able to do in "the old days" when I had 6-figure I.T. projects riding on my capable shoulders. Easter holidays are over. No more excuses. From now until May 18th, the day before my 50th birthday, my Number 1 Priority is to follow-through on the promise I made to myself at the beginning of this year: to finish the complete first draft of my manuscript by my birthday. It's a tall order, but I've followed through on taller ones before. I know I can do it.

If you don't see me online much for the next month... you'll know why. And I'm expecting ALL OF YOU to hold me accountable.

Comments

Crunch time

When I used to work in the corporate cage world, I worked in Information Technology, a very deadline-driven profession. And I held a relatively high-level position, which meant that not only was I responsible for meeting my own deadlines, I had to set deadlines for others and ensure that they followed through.

I never missed a deadline. Never. Not once in more than 15 years of corporate life. And I was proud of having that kind of reputuation, a rep for being someone who could always be depended upon without question to get the job done right, on time (and frequently ahead of time) and on or under budget. With happy clients who got the business solutions they wanted and needed.

I was a closer.

When I left that world to work for myself, I made my living from three different "businesses": web design and writing, where I had clients and deadlines to meet, and coaching, where I had clients but no deadlines. In the beginning it was more of the former and less of the latter, but over time the balance shifted. I got further away from the need for dealing with deadlines.

As a result, I got soft. Lazy, even. I stopped being a closer because I didn't feel the same pressure. This has become especially true when it comes to my own writing. And it's not exactly the type of work ethic I feel good about. Without the need to work to a deadline, the need to push myself because someone else is depending on me to produce something by a certain date, I have become an expert in procrastination.

This is totally not acceptable.

I read blogs and interviews with other professional writers, where they talk about this deadline and that deadline... and how they, too, procrastinate. But they have publishers, contracts. They're getting PAID to write, the way I used to get paid to crank out system specs and web site designs. So eventually, despite the writer's procrastination thing, they pull their heads out of their asses and finish their manuscripts.

Somehow, I need to learn to write for myself as if I'm already getting paid (and getting paid a LOT) to do it. I need to write like someone is watching, waiting and depending on me. I need to break out of my little bubble and just freaking DO IT, ALREADY. I'm sick to death of my own bullshit. Either I am a writer, or I'm not. Writers write. Bullshitters... don't.

Hence... effective immediately, I am putting myself in high adrenaline crunch-time mode, like I used to be able to do in "the old days" when I had 6-figure I.T. projects riding on my capable shoulders. Easter holidays are over. No more excuses. From now until May 18th, the day before my 50th birthday, my Number 1 Priority is to follow-through on the promise I made to myself at the beginning of this year: to finish the complete first draft of my manuscript by my birthday. It's a tall order, but I've followed through on taller ones before. I know I can do it.

If you don't see me online much for the next month... you'll know why. And I'm expecting ALL OF YOU to hold me accountable.

Come along for the ride...

Get "The Bold Soul" via e-mail!

Get The Writing Coach's Guide

UPDATED & EXPANDED in 2007, available in both paperback and e-book formats! If you've always wanted to write a book, THIS book will help you go from dream to reality! I coach you through 8 steps, with exercises to help you get from concept to first draft.

So you want to live in France?

Gifts with Original Photos by Lisa

I've selected several of my favorite photos from Paris and around France, and created these adorable clothing and home décor items (and more!) with the help of CafePress.com. Just click to get YOUR Bold Soul-venirs here!